Robert Frederick Skinner

ROBERT FREDERICK SKINNERSuddenly, on October 6, 2009, Robert F. Skinner of Winnipeg, aged 56.Robert was born in Fort Frances, Ontario and took his schooling there. He then went on to studies at the University of Manitoba and at Queen’s. During these University years, he worked as a casual Canada Customs summer student and over time, he rose to higher positions in Emerson, Fort Frances, Sarnia, Ottawa Headquarters, and finally as a director for the Canada Revenue Agency.Robert was predeceased by his father Dr. J. H. Skinner. He leaves to mourn his mother, Mrs. G.M. Skinner of Fort Frances and two brothers David of Winnipeg and Steven (Allison) of Brantford, Ontario along with his niece F.M. Mackenzie Skinner. Over the years, Robert built up an impressive array of friends whom he often wined and dined especially at the cottage on Hostess Island. These events, some of which included the “visit of the Emersonians” and the “Skinner cousins winter adventure” and every July 1st have left a great many happy memories. Robert was kind, affable, hospitable and generous to a fault. He was progressive, tolerant and witty and he almost never stopped working; except for a bike ride, sauna or swim. He has a special place in so many hearts including cousins, colleagues and many life long friends. He lived his life to the full, cruising on the Nile, then on the Queen Mary II and later to Alaska. He enjoyed life on Rainy Lake in all seasons. He worked hard at the CRA. He took care of the many people who needed him. We cannot believe he is no longer with us. The only words which do justice to his memory are those of the poet, “Frater ave atque vale”, - we will surely meet again.Cremation has taken place with funeral services to be held on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd with reception to follow. A separate service is planned for interment in Fort Frances, Ontario at a later date.Friends so wishing may remember Robert by donating to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 256 Smith Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1K1 or Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, 1200 Denison Street, Markham, Ontario L3R 8G6